Night Moves [Blu-ray]

It is remarkable how a simple, plain story becomes so engrossing, intriguing and even profound in the hands of a gifted director. It is generally the case that better films are made by fleshing out an uncomplicated concept than by digesting a complex story, such as a book, for the screen. On paper, ’Night Moves’ must have been hardly more than an idea, but on screen it expands to a cinema experience that is unique, rare and memorable.The key to the success of ‘Night Moves’ is its visual style. From the first frame that focuses on water jets gushing from an overspill of a dam, meticulously composed imagery drives and punctuates the narrative. Intentionally drab despite being set in beautiful surroundings, the imagery allows the viewer to experience the proceedings at a realistic pace, thereby gradually building interest, mystery and suspense. Captivatingly, it takes a long while before intentions of the protagonists become clear and even longer to fully understand who they actually are, much of the characterisations being visual rather than dialogue driven.Underpinning that approach is the brooding presence of Jesse Eisenberg. In stark contrast to most of his previous appearances, he is a silent volcano of rage here, that can erupt any second, but the only window to that menace are his eyes, for he is outwardly a pleasant and likeable man. Kelly Reichardt develops his character so gradually that it rounds up to be understood only at the very end. While Dakota Fanning and Peter Sarsgaard are both perfect in their performances, it is Eisenberg’s persona that pulls the emotional punch of this film and therefore drives its premise home.Rebellion in youth is nothing new, but we are now living in a world that is increasingly troubled by disparate ideologies and violent approaches to realise those. While activism is a way in which those who feel unrepresented in our political system vent their anger, it is never far from extremism. ‘Night Moves’ is a brave and quite topical examination as to how a peaceful ideal can lead to violence that achieves nothing but destruction.

A quietly contemplative, low-budget indie thriller. Not the normal shooting-shouting high-octane stuff, but a tense little drama about three people who commit an ill-considered act of violence and then have to come to terms with the consequences.The plot revolves around environmental / ecological issues, but it presents them in an interestingly non-judgmental manner. it demonstrates the commitment of the key players and their motives for taking radical action; then peels back their personalities when things start to unravel.A thoughtful, oblique film, one which highlights many environmental issues without hectoring or lecturing. It also demonstrates the tendency of some folk to blindly commit to their cause, whatever that cause may be, without necessarily considering the implications of their actinos.Excellent performances by all three actors, and some lovely photography too.Perhaps only let down by the characters' naïveté: could they really have been so sloppy in their preparations? Do they know nothing of modern criminal investigation? And would their home-made explosive even have dented the dam?Those unlikely moments apart, it was a fascinating film.8/10

The story of a group of young environmental activists prepared to do what it takes to change the world for the better...though it doesn't always work out that way. The protagonist is clearly an idealist, but his morals and character are tested. A good film, suspenseful and thought provoking.

I found this movie to be slow going. Having said that, it was well written & acted.It is a tale about three Eco warriors who plan to blow up a Dam but have not thought past that point.Worth watching in my humble opinion.

An odd one: some stellar acting (Eisenberg in particular), but perhaps too enthralled by its own cinematography, and the spiralling consequences of well-intentioned but ill-conceived actions. Drama never quite takes off, and the psychological tension becomes stretched so thin as to become almost unnoticeable. Worth watching for Eisenberg and the idea underpinning the plot, but then there are also much better films out there that one definitely should see. Recommended for cinema buffs with too much time on their hands.

A so called "slow burner". When the plot really begins to develop, there is a lot of tension to be had.The style of this film reminded me of some good old film noir efforts but mostly of some of the darkest Cohen brothers classics.Not an action film but a quiet and tense movie...Definitively recommended

three environmentalists get together to explode a hydro electric dam without thinking of the consequences to people close by. the acting is good and the film makes you see how fanatical some people can get.

Not great. Jesse has done a lot of other 'under the radar' films that are really awesome, but this isn't one of them. Very slow and no real fire between the characters.